
FORT GIBSON, Okla. — Staff Sgt. Eric Petty, who gave up his military recruiting job in Colorado to fight in Iraq, was remembered in May 11 funeral services as a brave, dedicated soldier devoted to family and church.
Hundreds of family members, friends and fellow soldiers mourned as Petty was buried at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Under the shade of a brick pavilion, Petty’s relatives sobbed as seven soldiers each fired three shots and a bugler blew Taps.
“Eric Petty was a patriot,” pastor Tom Barlament said. “Eric Petty was a hero. Eric Petty loved his country.”
Petty, 28, who grew up in Fort Gibson, was killed by small arms...